Garland, TX Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Restrictions
- Dangerous wild animals (big cats, bears, primates) effectively banned in residential zones
- Requirements
- TX H&S Code 822 Subchapter E registration required statewide
- Requirements
- $100,000 liability insurance and USDA caging required
- Common exotics
- Common exotics (ferrets, hedgehogs, non-venomous snakes) allowed
- Native wildlife
- Native wildlife regulated by TPWD under Parks & Wildlife Code Ch. 63
Summary
Garland prohibits keeping dangerous wild animals (big cats, bears, wolves, primates, venomous reptiles) in residential areas and enforces Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 822 Subchapter E registration requirements.
Sec. 822.101. DEFINITIONS. ... (4) "Dangerous wild animal" means: (A) a lion; (B) a tiger; (C) an ocelot; (D) a cougar; (E) a leopard; (F) a cheetah; (G) a jaguar; (H) a bobcat; (I) a lynx; (J) a serval; (K) a caracal; (L) a hyena; (M) a bear; (N) a coyote; (O) a jackal; (P) a baboon; (Q) a chimpanzee; (R) an orangutan; (S) a gorilla; or (T) any hybrid of an animal listed in this subdivision. ... Sec. 822.103. CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION; FEES. (a) A person may not own, harbor, or have custody or control of a dangerous wild animal for any purpose unless the person holds a certificate of registration for that animal issued by an animal registration agency.
Full Breakdown
Under Garland's animal ordinance and Texas H&S Code Chapter 822, Subchapter E, possession of 'dangerous wild animals', including lions, tigers, leopards, cheetahs, bears, gorillas, baboons, chimpanzees, hyenas, wolves, and venomous reptiles, is prohibited in the city absent a state-issued certificate of registration, $100,000 liability insurance, and approved caging that meets USDA standards. Garland generally does not issue local registrations for these animals in residential zones, effectively banning them. Common exotic pets such as ferrets, sugar gliders, hedgehogs, non-venomous snakes, rabbits, and tropical birds are typically allowed. Texas Parks & Wildlife Code Chapter 63 controls native wildlife (deer, raccoons, opossums) and generally prohibits private possession without a permit. Violations are Class C misdemeanors with fines and animal seizure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I own a sugar glider or hedgehog in Garland?
Are venomous snakes legal?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Garland
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Exotic Pets in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Dallas County handle exotic pets.